Martina’s Special Olympics fundraiser

Local woman Martina Lowe is trying to raise money to achieve a lifelong dream to volunteer at the Special Olympics.

Martina has been volunteering with South Offaly Special Olympics for the past 17 years and is very proud of this.

Martina said: "This is something I want to achieve, a dream I've had for so long. I adore helping adults with additional needs. I don't let my disability define me. I'm no different to everyone else.”

Martina also previously volunteered at the national Special Olympic Games in Limerick in 2014 and completed her Leaving Cert exams just one day prior to this.

She loves helping others and wanted to do something she really enjoys so Martina recently completed a FETAC Level 5 course in Special Needs Assisting and plans to begin the Level 6 course next month.

Martina said many people have called her an inspiration but she credits her parents for helping her to achieve what she has and thanked her husband Larry for assisting her with college work.

The Kinnitty-based woman is aiming to raise €3,800 to be able to achieve her dream and volunteer for the World Games next summer in Berlin.

To donate to the appeal, visit gofundme.com and type in Martina's dream.